1910 - The Circle of Death

About

The 1910 Tour de France marked a pivotal moment in the race's history with the introduction of the Pyrenees mountains, creating what would be known as the "Circle of Death." This stage included four grueling climbs: the Col du Tourmalet, Col d'Aspin, Col de Peyresourde, and Col d'Aubisque. The inclusion of these mountains significantly increased the race's difficulty, earning it a reputation as one of the most challenging stages in cycling. The press described the route as "dangerous" and "bizarre," reflecting the immense physical toll it took on riders. The stage was part of the tenth stage of the 1910 Tour, where riders like Octave Lapize and Gustave Garrigou faced extreme conditions. Lapize famously shouted "Assassins!" at race officials, reflecting the harsh nature of the course. Despite the challenges, this stage set a new standard for the Tour de France, making it a true test of endurance and skill. The "Circle of Death" has since become legendary, symbolizing the pinnacle of mountain stages in professional cycling.